Practice Fast Licks Like The Pros Do with this 4-Step Approach
Practice Fast Licks Like The Pros Do with this 4-Step Approach
Do you ever feel stuck trying to master the fast licks in your favorite songs? You're not alone. Fast playing can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can make those tricky passages a breeze. In this post, I’ll walk you through a 4-step approach to mastering fast licks, inspired by a lesson from Total Guitar Transformation Academy founder Ulrich Ellison. Let’s dive in and unlock your potential as a fast and expressive guitarist!
Step 1: Understand the Lick Inside and Out
The first step to mastering any fast lick is understanding it deeply. Break it down into smaller sections—or “cells”—and focus on rhythm, notes, fingering, and articulation. For instance, if your lick involves triplets, eighth notes, and syncopation, make sure you can sing it first. Yes, sing it!
Why does this work? If you can’t process the lick at a slow tempo, your brain won’t know how to play it fast. Use a metronome to internalize the rhythm and sequence. Ulrich recommends being able to sing the lick to the beat before even touching your guitar. This ensures your brain has a clear roadmap to follow when your fingers start working.
Step 2: Experiment with Articulation Techniques
Once you know the lick, explore different ways to articulate it. Should you use alternate picking, legato, or a hybrid approach? Try out each technique to see what feels most natural for you. For example:
- Alternate picking: Focus on which strokes (up or down) feel most fluid. Sometimes a simple adjustment, like starting a note on an upstroke instead of a downstroke, can make a massive difference.
- Legato: Smooth out the lick by incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs. This can reduce the physical strain on your picking hand and create a more fluid sound.
- Hybrid picking: Combine pick strokes with finger plucking for even more flexibility.
The goal is to find the method that works best for your playing style and the specific lick you're tackling. As Ulrich says, “Play smarter, not harder.” By trying multiple approaches, you save hours of practice time and set yourself up for success.
Step 3: Find the Right Fingering
Sometimes, the problem isn’t your technique—it’s your fingering. Experiment with different positions on the fretboard to see which one allows you to play the lick cleanly and efficiently.
For example, instead of starting the lick in one position, try shifting it up or down the neck. One fingering option might feel clunky, while another “locks in” more naturally. Remember, even small changes to your hand placement can significantly impact your speed and accuracy.
Ulrich emphasizes that finding the optimal fingering isn’t just a technical decision—it’s an artistic one. The right choice will not only feel better to play but also enhance the overall musicality of the lick.
Step 4: Practice in Context
Finally, it’s essential to practice the lick in the context of the song. There’s no point in nailing a fast passage if you stumble on what comes before or after it. Break the song into smaller sections and loop the transitions around the tricky lick.
For example, if the song moves from a fast run into a section with artificial harmonics, practice switching between those two techniques. Use a metronome to gradually increase the tempo and focus on maintaining fluidity throughout the entire passage.
By isolating and repeating these specific sections, you’ll build the muscle memory and confidence needed to play the song seamlessly. As Ulrich demonstrates in the video, even just a few minutes of targeted practice can lead to noticeable improvements.
Take Your Guitar Playing to the Next Level
Fast licks don’t have to be intimidating. By understanding the lick, experimenting with articulation, finding the right fingering, and practicing in context, you can approach any fast passage with confidence. Remember, it’s all about playing smarter, not harder.
If you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, why not book a free strategy session with Ulrich Ellison and the team at Total Guitar Transformation Academy? We specialize in helping adult guitarists unlock their full potential and transform their playing. Click the link below to get started:
